FARMINGTON — Discussions that have little to do with books are under way between city and county administrators a week after the Kaysville City Council voted to negotiate a possible merger of library services,
"This is very much a work in progress, and any side can change their mind if they want to," said Davis County Commissioner Carol Page. "We'll be moving through discussions with them and we'll see where we can go."
During discussion Tuesday, the city and county wrestled with issues ranging from how to pay for parking, lease the building and maintain library gardens.
Debate ended when discussion turned to the status of Kaysville library employees. Qualifications for county librarians are different from city qualifications: Most county administrative positions require a college degree.
"At this point, there is no promise by the county that they would hire any of them and that's an issue of great concern to me," said Bruce Allen, chairman of the library board. "I'm not very comfortable yet, personally. I don't know if that is good or bad, but from my perspective, there's still a long ways to go before we consider it (a merger) seriously."
After trying for years to raise money for expansion, and struggling in the wake of a failed $4.5 million building bond, Kaysville is considering the merger as a way to expand resources and provide residents with more options.
Concerns are varied, but the worries center on three areas: a lack of autonomy, the potential for increased taxes and the likely loss of library jobs.
Negotiations will continue until May or June, after which decisions will be presented for public review. Officials involved in the process include county library director Pete Giacoma, Commissioner Page, Allen, library director Paul Stokes, Kaysville councilman John McCleary and Kaysville Mayor Brian Cook.
Allen is encouraging public participation during the negotiations.
"We are firm on trying to do the best thing we can for the citizens of our city and I'm anxious as we go through the process that those people become involved and know what's happening and not sit back," he said. "We think it's important to find out everything they can about what's going on and try to understand the issues."
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